The Decision- A sequel to 'The Heir' by Keira Cass

Chapter Twelve

I waited for about half an hour before Kile arrived.

"Hello?" Said Kile as he knocked on my door.

"Come in, Kile."

"Hey. I'm sorry about Silvia."

"It's ok, I'm a little shaken but I'll be fine."

"So. . ." Said Kile as he awkwardly walked into my room.

"Did you know Silvia very well?" I asked, trying to make conversation.

"Not really, she mainly just planned the major events so I didn't have much to do with her." He replied. We stood awkwardly for a few minutes, until Kile moved a little closer to me. I stared into his eyes, those sparkling blue eyes. I knew what was coming. He grabbed into my waist, and I ran my hands through his hair. Without hesitation, he kissed me. The kisses were passionate and rough, but sweet and caring at the same time. All I could think about was how soft his lips were, but after a short while I felt a little guilty. I pulled away, taking in a breath.

"Something wrong?" Asked Kile.

"I, I just feel like this is a selfish thing to be doing right now."

"Why?"

"Well, it's just with Silvia and all. People are in mourning, and we're making out in my bedroom."

"So, my kisses are awful then." Said Kile, obviously trying (and failing) to make a joke.

"No, it's. I don't know. It doesn't feel right."

"Are you saying you don't like me?" Kile's face read a mixture of disappointment, sadness and a tiny hint of anger.

"No! I mean, I'm not sure if I like you that way, or if I-"

"Stop," Kile cut me off. "Maybe this isn't the best thing to be doing right now. I'm going to get ready for dinner."

"Kile, wait."

"I'll see you later." And with that, he was out the door. Honestly, I was a little angry with him. Why would he think that? I gave him a clear reason of why I didn't want to continue, and he took it completely the wrong way. I mean, I wasn't sure if I could actually even imagine loving Kile. Loving Kile, the thought crossed my mind over and over, and I couldn't think of an answer. Would I even be able to rule Illea with Kile? As a Queen and her Prince? I honestly could not imagine it, and that scared me a little, because honestly, I really wanted to.

Dinner was a bit quiet. As the Selected stated to file in, I looked to see who came in first. Henri gave me a goofy smile, and waved as always. Hale bowed and gave me a warm smile, Ean had his usual slightly smug look on his face, Fox gave me a shy smile and bowed before taking his seat, Tavish, Calvin and Leeland all did the same. I stopped paying attention after that though. I didn't want to see Kile after what had happened a few hours before. If I didn't see myself having a future with him, ideally I would have eliminated him by now, but I just couldn't seem to do it.

"You ok?" Mom asked, noticing that I was a little out of it.

"Yeah, I guess. Just thinking."

"I understand. It's ok, Eady. The Selection, and now Silvia, it's a bit much."

"Yeah, it's not exactly easy." Mom grabbed m y hand and gave it a comforting squeeze before telling Osten off for bickering with Kaden.

I looked over to the Selected's table to see Hale giving me a warm smile, he mouthed the words are you ok? I nodded in response. For some reason, my stomach wasn't taking the lemon rosemary lamb with the rocket and sultana salad, so I excused myself a little early.

"Not feeling so well today, Eadlyn?" Asked Neena as she placed out my pajamas for me.

"Not particularly, Neena."

"Would you like me to send for some tea?"

"Yes, please. That would be perfect," I said, climbing into bed to read. I felt as though the book took me to another world for a short while, allowing me to escape the chaos of my life.

"One teaspoon of honey?" Asked Neena, bringing me back from my thoughts.

"Yep."

"Here you go, Miss Eadlyn," Neena said handing me the cup.

"Thank you, Neena. I'll move the tray outside my room later. You're dismissed."

"Night, Miss." Neena gave me a sympathetic smile and a curtsy before she left, leaving me to my own thoughts.

"Goodnight, Neena."

After I finished my tea, I couldn't couldn't seem to concentrate on my book. I decided on going to sleep instead of trying to occupy my mind, because I was just getting distracted by things. My situation with Kile in particular. Why was this all so confusing? I didn't try to hold back my tears, I just let them stream down my face. These weren't angry, sobbing tears, these were quiet tears of sadness and frustration. I just felt the tears fall down my face, as I lay in my bed in silence.

I awoke to Neena drawing back the curtains, letting the delicate sunshine fall on my face. I really didn't want to get up today, but I had to. The simple lace black dress was hanging on my door next to a shiny pair of black heels. Silvia's funeral was today, and though I wasn't as close with her as Mom was, I was still sad she was gone.

"Time to get up," Neena said as she started my bath.

"Noooo."

"Yeeees," Neena replied with a mocking tone. She was surprisingly chirpy today. "Listen, I know you don't want to go today, and I get that, but your family needs you. And I'm sure Silvia's family would appreciate you being there too. Now get up, have a nice bath and be ready by ten. Ok?" She said, rubbing my back for comfort.

"Ok." I continued, "Will I be having breakfast downstairs?"

"Yes, but the Selected will be having an etiquette lesson so they will be eating later."

"You amaze me Neena. Thank you, I mean it."

"You're welcome, Miss Eadlyn. Now, get in the bath and I'll help you get ready."